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Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a rich and long history dating back to the latter part of the 19th century. Our faculty and students are exploring nature at all length scales, from the subatomic (quarks and gluons) to the macroscopic (black holes and dark energy), and everything in between (atomic and biological systems).

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Purdue physicist earns NSF CAREER award to explore collective quantum behavior

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Jukka Vayrynen, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Purdue University, the NSF CAREER award. Vayrynen’s project, CAREER: Topological quantum devices as a window into strongly correlated matter, received a five-year grant from NSF, one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions for faculty whose research and education efforts show exceptional promise.

Purdue Physics and Astronomy’s Valentin Walther wins DoE Career Award

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) is investing $875,000 in pioneering quantum-materials research led by Assistant Professor Valentin Walther, who holds a joint appointment in chemistry and physics at Purdue University.

National Academy of Inventors names 3 Purdue faculty as 2025 fellows

Three Purdue University faculty members, representing the College of Engineering, the Mitch Daniels School of Business and the College of Science, have been named fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the organization announced Thursday (Dec. 11). Purdue Physics and Astronomy's David Nolte was one of the three faculty members.

Quantum Corridor, Toshiba Demonstrate First Cross-State Quantum Key Distribution Over Live Commercial Metro Fiber Network

AP — Quantum Corridor, in collaboration with Toshiba International Corporation and partners, today announced the successful demonstration of quantum-secured communication over a live metropolitan fiber network connecting Tier III data centers in Illinois and Indiana—an achievement that marks a critical step toward building a commercially scalable, quantum-safe internet for the United States. PhysAstro's Michael Manfra was quoted in the article.

Purdue Physics and Astronomy faculty years of service celebrated at recent luncheon

Purdue University recognized more than 300 faculty members for their years of service during a celebratory luncheon Dec. 2. Faculty members were celebrated for service anniversaries ranging from 10 years to a remarkable 55. Eight faculty members in the Physics and Astronomy Department are celebrating over 10 years of service.

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Department of Physics and Astronomy, 525 Northwestern Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2036 • Phone: (765) 494-3000 • Fax: (765) 494-0706

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